Category: Entertainment

The National Security Council's (NSC) proposal to ban the use of TikTok among state security services personnel has gained the support of Virginia-headquartered Internet Society (IS). In an interview on Monday, Winthrop Yu, chairman emeritus and acting spokesperson of IS Philippine Chapter, said that all social media platforms bring a certain amount of risk, but the risk is greatly magnified when using the China-based digital app TikTok. He explained that companies in China are obliged to cooperate with Chinese authorities, especially in matters related to the sharing of information. 'TikTok has no choice but to surrender all their accumulated information to Chinese security services,' the IT expert noted. Yu explained that in democratic countries such as the United States, technology companies have the option of refusing the government security sector's requests for assistance, specifically when they are asked to spy on users. Additionally, American tech companies are required to publicly disclose any assis tance they extend to government intelligence agencies. He stressed that the same is not true under Beijing, which wields broad powers to compel cooperation from Chinese firms. 'All phone apps are dangerous and represent a security risk, particularly if the app maker is subservient to its government,' said Yu. He pointed out that owners of mobile devices downloaded with TikTok, or similar apps, have knowingly or unknowingly already surrendered unfettered access to the phone's internal camera and microphone. Yu warned that once a technologically capable organization learns that the phone owned by a certain targeted individual carries such an app, it is technically feasible to surreptitiously use that phone to spy on its owner. 'It sounds like a James Bond movie but it can be done with today's technology. That phone in your pocket is a very powerful piece of technology," he said. TikTok Pte. Ltd., known in the Chinese mainland as Douyin, is a subsidiary of Beijing-based ByteDance, founded by Chinese internet ent repreneur Zhang Yiming. In 2021, several Chinese state entities, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, purchased a minor stake in the company. The IS is an American nonprofit advocacy organization founded in 1992 with local chapters around the world, and whose mission is "to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet

Source: Philippines News Agency

Buckle up as the 2023 Korean Film Festival (KFF) brings the 'Ka-ja! Korea Through Films' featuring Korea's finest movies from Sept. 22 to 26. This annual event is proudly presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in collaboration with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), SM Cinema and the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office (KTO). Serving as the grand finale of the Korea Tourism Promotion month hosted by the KCC, this year's KFF is all set to support the 'Visit Korea 2023-2024' tourism campaign led by the Korean government. Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Korea's picturesque landscapes through the lens of seven captivating Korean films. Prepare to be enthralled by a stunning lineup of award-winning films that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Films such as the joyful musical movie 'Life is Beautiful,' the black and white film 'The Book of Fish' and an independent film 'Bori' and other dazzling movies like "Director's Intention," "Everglow," "Gyeongju" and "Jukdo Surfing Diary". Each of these cinematic gems was meticulously shot in breathtaking locations across Korea, such as Gangneung, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, Yangyang, Paju and Sinan -- it'll be a complete top to bottom tour of the country after witnessing these films. For the complete list of participating cinemas, screening schedules and ticketing guidelines, please stay tuned for the announcement on KCC's social media channels. Admission to KFF is free-of-charge that will give viewers the chance to enjoy the movie of your choice on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source: Philippines News Agency

His Royal Highness Prince Doctor Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office as Pro Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei, UTB officiated UTB's 8th Convocation Festival, 26th August morning. Themed "I Am Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning", iAIML, the festival held in conjunction with UTB's Convocation Ceremony took place at Teratak Putih, Phase 2, UTB.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Doctor Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd. Salleh, Minister of Education, and Datin Paduka Professor Doctor Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice Chancellor of UTB.

The reading of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The Festival Convo's theme, "iAIML" emphasises the role of graduands as agents of positive change.

Eight projects under the 'iAIML' theme, highlighted by focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies.

The Convocation Festival was highlighted with performances of martial arts, kendo, and tausyeh by student clubs.

Prior to leaving the ceremony, His Royal Highness received a pasambah from the UTB Student Representative Council.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

The Niyogyugan Festival, Quezon province's annual event to celebrate its coconut farmers, resumed after a three-year halt, bringing in an average of 20,000 tourists daily. The 11-day long festival that ended Saturday is part of the province's commemoration of the birth anniversary of President Manuel L. Quezon. It was the first to be held since its last staging in 2019, after which the Covid-19 pandemic canceled all events. Data from the Quezon provincial government showed that between 18,000 and 24,000 tourists participated in the daily activities Quezon, which targets to reach at least PHP7 million in sales, had generated almost PHP4 million by the eighth day of the festival. 'Quezon is still the top producing province of coconut in the entire Philippines so we celebrate niyog (coconut). Yugyog means a celebration, to dance, and make it a lively celebration,' Quezon Provincial Tourism Officer Nesler Louies Almagro said in an interview. While not as grand in scale as compared to 2019, the festival is nothing short of impressive and still showcased the rich culture Quezon has as one of the country's top coconut producers. Like the 2019 edition, this year's festival took visitors to observe the vanishing 'tagayan' ritual, giving them a taste of the Philippine lambanog (coconut vodka) offered by a "tanggera/tanggero" (server of drinks). It featured a multitude of local products unique to Quezon's cities and municipalities, such as Lucban's pancit habhab (noodles with pork and vegetables, eaten from a banana leaf sans utensils), Infanta's suman sa gata (rice cake with coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaf), among others. At the grand parade on Saturday, 27 towns participated and displayed Quezon province's storied past and tradition through floats and street dance. Gumaca made it known that the Philippines' first registered architect ,Tomás Mapúa, was from the town and incorporated his design, the so-called Gumaca Type Presidencia, in its float. Atimonan gave a glimpse of its devotion to Nuestra Señora de los Angeles (Blessed Mother of Angels) and brought visitors to its very own Tagultol Fishing Festival, delighting street with dancers reenacting the town's popular fishing method 'tagultol' (a rectangular stone tied at the end of abaca or hemp strings dipped in honey). General Luna's three-meter float, meanwhile, captured the town's distinct Catholic tradition, the Centurion Festival, characterized by colorful Roman costumes, painted masks and helmets, that can only be experienced during the Holy Week. Still, the theme is common. Be it coco lumber or coconut husks as props and float material, the locals made sure to celebrate the revered 'niyog.' Quezon Governor Angelina Tan said the province will stage another Niyogyugan in 2024. Coconuts aside, the festival also served as an avenue to reintroduce Quezon to tourists and promote the province's numerous destinations. 'When you're in Quezon, there are a lot of options and choices that tourists can visit. Nearby Lucena City, we have Tayabas, we have Lucban, we have Sariaya where the beaches are nice, we also have Mount Banahaw so they have others to visit aside from Niyogyugan,' she told reporters in a press conference. Tan said the number of destinations that are more accessible to tourists is also growing due to efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure. 'Maraming magaganda na po ang daan, like when you go to Alibijaban in San Andres, Quezon, maganda po ang daan papunta roon, ma-i-expereince nila 'yung difference from before na ayaw mong pumunta na kahit kotse mahirap idaan (We have a lot of places with improved roads already like Alibijaban in San Andres, Quezon, it's a nice destination. It's no longer like before where you'd rather not go because it's hard to drive there even by car),' Tan said. Quezon's insurgency-free declaration is a good component of tourism right now because in the past they are afraid of visiting Quezon. Our police can attest that it is safe to go to Quezon,' she said. Earlier, the Department of Tourism launched the REINA Tourism Circuit of Quezon, targeting adventurous tourists with Real, Infanta, and General Nakar's attractions, including alternative surfing spots.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Three Ilocano short films produced by local talents in Ilocos Norte province were featured in film festivals at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City, Metro Manila over the weekend. 'Karkarma,' a short narrative film directed by Melver Gomez, was part of Cinemalaya 2023 under its Next Generation section. The film revolves around the story of a woman on a journey to discover her karkarma, or a person's second soul in Ilocano culture. Gomez is a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Languages and Literature at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). Meanwhile, the documentary film "Arapaap" (A Dream) directed by Ryand Angelo Ugalde, an incoming junior Bachelor of Arts in Communication student, was selected as a documentary finalist under the 35th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video (Gawad Alternatibo). 'Arapaap' is a story set in a "perya" (carnival) about young dreamers. MMSU alumnus John Gabriel Gantala's film "Baklaak" (I'm Gay) was also a finalist in the Gawad Alternatibo under the short feature category, the story of a transwoman preparing for a pageant. Cinemalaya, now on its 19th year, is the Philippines' leading independent film festival, while Gawad Alternatibo is one of the longest-running film festivals in Asia. 'This is another feather to MMSU's cap. Congratulations to the MMSU talents. So proud of you!' said MMSU president Shirley Agrupis on Monday as she shared her excitement about the latest achievement of the state-run university in filmmaking. In support of local artists and filmmakers, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts is inviting applicants for next year's competitive grants for the development, protection, preservation, and dissemination of Philippine culture and arts. The projects are categorized per sub-commissions such as arts, cultural and traditional arts, cultural dissemination, and cultural heritage, with a total grant of PHP107 million. Deadline for submission of proposals is on Aug. 31, 2023. Filmmaking falls under the visual arts category.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Various events and activities continue to enliven festive stages in the four districts in conjunction with the Royal Birthday Celebration.

In Tutong District, the festive stage was filled with the Sinaran Da'wah Songs Competition organised by the Tutong District Senior Citizens Activity Centre. Six groups took part in the competition. A tausyeh performance and poetry declamation were also held. Among those present were Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Member of the Legislative Council and Awang Mohammad Sufian bin Haji Basri, Acting Tutong District Officer.

Meanwhile, the Kampung Rataie National Housing Scheme Mosque Takmir Committee held a Religious Performance at the Festive Stage in Temburong District. It was organised by the Temburong District Mosque Affairs Department. Present was Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Member of the Legislative Council.

The Senandong Padang Pasir Night further enlivened the festive stage in the Belait District. The performance was organised by the Pekan Kuala Belait Consultative Council and the Belait District Women's Welfare Association. Among those present was Awang Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad, Acting Belait District Officer.

The festive stage in Brunei Muara District held a religious and spiritual performance. The event organised by the Brunei Muara District Scouts Association was participated by more than 40 of the Association's members.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

The Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Memorial Stadium in this city has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) to be held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. WAF is the largest global live awards event for architects and designers, according to its website. Under the sport-completed buildings category, the newly-rehabilitated stadium, which is one of the 'Big 3' projects of the Ilocos Norte government, will be presented live in Singapore during the event. 'We are delighted to share that our project has been shortlisted for world arch fest in the World Architecture Festival. Another milestone in our push for a more open and barrier-free social architecture,' architect William Ti, the consulting architect of the FEM stadium, said in a statement on Tuesday. The internationally awarded urban planner said the Marcos Stadium's exterior walls carried the motif of an 'abel," a popular Ilocano handwoven cloth. It features the 'binakol' or whirlwind pattern, rendered in a supersized scale and easily identifiable through its uniform interconnecting geometric design. The international award-giving body Architizer A+ first noticed the stadium earlier this year. According to its website, 'Architizer's Special Mention honorees are regarded as a worldwide industry leader for architecture and design." The award validates superior work and gives well-deserved recognition to the people behind such architectural masterpieces. Among the thousands of projects submitted, less than 5 percent are chosen as Special Mention honorees, the Architizer A+ website said. The new stadium has a seating capacity of more than 12,000, occupying around 43,820 square meters of land, and is now becoming a favorite go-to place for runners and sports-enthusiast. The stadium features an open southern end, which includes an outdoor amphitheater and a sloping lawn that leads to the university belt. As the Ilocos Region's largest public space, the stadium is being lobbied by the Ilocos Norte government as the possible venue for the 2025 Palarong Pambansa to further promote the province's world-class facility and boost its sports tourism program here and abroad

Source: Philippines News agency

Job seekers in this province will have the opportunity to meet prospective employers on Monday at the job fair being organized by the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) as part of the ongoing 'Baragatan Festival 2023.' PESO representatives said the event is the provincial government's response to calls for more employment opportunities. The job fair is expected to complement an ongoing local government unit (LGU) trade fair, which aims to expose products from different towns to the larger market and allow small entrepreneurs to build business networks beyond Palawan's borders. Apart from the economic and livelihood events, a host of entertainment and lifestyle activities are also lined up, according to provincial government organizers. They include the "Caraenan sa Dalan with Konsyerto" (a street food fair featuring native Palawan dishes), the search for Mutya ng Palawan 2023, and the "Paantigoan sa Dalan" street dancing competition. Baragatan Festival 2023 events will run until June 30. Celebrations officially kicked off in this city on Friday morning, commemorating the 121st anniversary of the establishment of a civil government. The theme for this year is "Celebrating 400 Years of Christianity in Palawan! Unite and Celebrate... Culture and Tradition... History and Civilization," the provincial government said. The month-long Baragatan sa Palawan Festival 2023 officially opened at the PGP Convention Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, in ceremonies led by Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates, Vice Governor Leoncio Ola, and other provincial government officials and employees. Baragatan means "convergence" in Cuyonon, the language from which it is derived, and refers to an annual festival held in honor of the province's civil administration and meant to inspire locals to be proud of their heritage. "The Baragatan is an annual celebration of the establishment of Palawan's civil government. This year's Baragatan is special because it coincides with the 400th anniversary of Christianity in the province. Baragatan, our convergence as a people, is truly a celebration of love," Socrates said at the event's opening ceremonies. The governor then gave the festival its official start by pounding on the gong, which signaled the beginning of the celebrations. The festival had a soft opening on June 9 with the inauguration of booths showcasing 'the best of Palawan.'

Source: Philippines News Agency

San Jose town was named best float in the kick-off ceremony of the first-ever Ibabao Festival in Northern Samar province. The town received a PHP300,000 cash prize and a plaque from the provincial government during the ceremony on Sunday, after besting 18 other towns in the province for replicating a ship made up of locally available materials, particularly seaweeds, sea cucumber, root crops and vegetables. Lope de Vega and Catubig towns received PHP200,000 and P100,000 for winning second and third, respectively. The floats were judged according to their relevance to the festival theme 'Proudly Ibàbaonon: Promoting tourism, preserving history, sustaining progress', innovative use of materials and resources, individuality or showcasing of their towns' identity, and overall impact. The float parade and competitions were just one of the highlights of the festival to celebrate the 58th founding anniversary of Northern Samar's provincehood. 'All activities lined up by the province this year are preparations for the 60th founding anniversary of the province in 2025,' said Northern Samar Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan. The main highlight of the Ibabao Festival will be held on June 18 at the University of Eastern Philippines. Ongchuan said the festival aimed to showcase the province's rich culture and heritage. Northern Samar, referred to in the past as Ibábao, was known for the ancient valor and bravery of its people. With the creation of the province of Northern Samar, separate from Eastern and Western Samar, in 1965, the place was thereafter formally known under its new name until today.

Source: Philippines News Agency

The island village of Higatangan in Naval town, Biliran, is now ready for the return this week of the two-day summer festival. Organized by the local government of Naval, the event aimed to boost local tourism, said Mayor Gretchen Espina, who stayed on the island during the weekend to personally lead the preparation for the return of the Higatangan Island Summer Festival on April 29 to May 1, 2023. 'We are very much excited to receive a lot of people to promote tourism after how many years of pandemic. We will again host this festival to boost not only Naval's tourism but also the whole province of Biliran,' Espina said in an interview Wednesday. During her three-day visit to the island over the weekend, Espina said she met with local business operators on the island who either went home from Metro Manila or abroad for this summer. 'For almost three years, a lot of hotels and resorts have stopped their operation because of the absence of tourists on the island due to pandemic restrictions. Through this festival, we are hoping that this will help revive tourism so that the businesses can now recover from their losses with the help of tourists who will participate in the festival,' Espina added. The municipal government prepared various activities and competitions such as beach-music festival, volleyball, kite and mountain bike competition, boat and kayak race, shore casting tournament, fire dancing and bikini contest. Tourists may also rent kayak, flamingo raft; try the henna or permanent tattoo; relax at the wellness station, buy souvenir items; observe mat weaving; enjoy the shifting sand bar; cliffing diving; manta towing; or dive at the Capilla del Mar. The island although closer to the Calubian town in Leyte province, is still part of Naval town and derived its name from the word 'atangan' meaning to wait for. The island is very famous for its long sandbar which extends about 200 meters and shifts to the left during the summer months or amihan (northeast monsoon) and to the right during the rainy months or habagat (southeast monsoon).

Source: Philippines News Agency

The music video for K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's "Shut Down" topped 400 million views on YouTube on Saturday, its agency said.

"Shut Down" is the main track of the four-member group's second full-length album, "Born Pink," released Sept. 16 last year.

YG Entertainment said the music video surpassed 400 million views on the video sharing site at 7:42 a.m., becoming BLACKPINK's 17th video to reach the milestone.

Source: Yonhap News Agency